Minnesota Timberwolves: Three UDFA names to watch

Though the Minnesota Timberwolves have a plethora of draft picks this year, filling out the back end of the roster remains a challenge. Should the team trade one (or more) of their existing selections this year, signing undrafted free agents that can realistically make the roster will be of the essence.

Last year, the Minnesota Timberwolves signed Jordan McLaughlin after he showed out during the Summer League. Coming from the University of Southern California, McLaughlin made a legitimate impact on the Timberwolves this past season and may have earned a long-term contract.

Another UDFA that made a major impact on a playoff team this past season was Terence Davis of the Toronto Raptors. He averaged eight points, four rebounds, and two assists on splits of 46/40/87 with above average offense and defense. Hitting on undrafted free agents can supplement high level role players, and Minnesota needs many of those.

Saben Lee, Guard, Vanderbilt

Saben Lee is a score-first guard that has been incredible at scoring at the rim for Vanderbilt. He can create space off the dribble, shoot from distance along the perimeter, and create for others, albeit perhaps not in a primary role.

Lee averaged 19 points, four rebounds, and four assists this past season on splits of 48/32/75, taking over the primary scoring role after potential lottery pick Aaron Nesmith went down for the season with an injury just one dozen games through the year.

Lee would be a score-first bench guard on the Timberwolves. Though he may not have an immediate impact, his ability to get to the rim is an elite trait and Lee can hold his own on the defensive end. He has great athleticism and a solid shot, and should translate fairly well to the NBA level.

Udoka Azubuike, Big, Kansas

Udoka Azubuike is the definition of efficiency. Though Kansas did not ask much of him, he was incredible at what he did: dunks and blocks. In four years at Kansas, Azubuike averaged two blocks per game. At a full 7-foot-even, 270 pounds, he took over 70% of his shots at the rim. He did not attempt a single three-point shot during his entire four years (87 games) at Kansas.

Azubuike is a good big if you want someone to fill a limited role off of the bench. He will probably not be drafted due to his inability to shoot at any capacity, but he has the ability to stick around in a Clint Capela-type role, though it would be to a much lesser degree.

In terms of his fit on the Timberwolves, Azubuike could be an energy big that could come in for a limited amount of minutes at a time. He can finish lobs and raise the floor of a defense minimally. It would not be surprising to see him last at least a few years in the NBA, and would be well worth at least a two-way contract.

Ayo Dosunmu, Guard, Illinois

Ayo Dosunmu has stretches of games where he looks as though he could be a multiple time NBA All-Star. Unfortunately for him, though, the majority of Dosunmu’s film is not like that. He looks lost at times and is shaky on the defensive end of the floor.

That said, Dosunmu can create his own shot and has the ability to score against almost anyone at the college level. Should the defense come around, he could be a very good role player, especially if he becomes more consistent overall.

Dosunmu was considered a lottery pick before the beginning of his freshman year of college. Now, he’s projected to be either a late second-round selection or be an undrafted free agent. Dosunmu could be a steal as a two-way player and would be a very good compliment to players such as Jarrett Culver and Josh Okogie, two guys that can struggle to create consistent offense for themselves. Though Dosunmu is more of a long-shot than most, he certainly has the potential to stick around.